Old Cottonians extend Rs 6.4 lakh aid to disaster-hit families in Kullu

In a heartwarming act of solidarity, the Old Cottonians Association (OCA) Himachal Chapter distributed financial assistance amounting to Rs 6.40 lakh among 16 families in Bagan village, one of the regions hardest hit by recent natural disasters in Kullu district. The initiative marks the first phase of OCA’s ongoing relief and rehabilitation drive across disaster-affected areas of Himachal Pradesh.

The cheques were handed over during a special ceremony held in Bagan, presided over by Kullu Superintendent of Police Kartikeyan Gokulachandran. The event was attended by OCA Himachal Chapter vice-president Vineet Saljolta and members Aadesh Katyayan, Sachin Khullar, Abhinav Sikka and Prithvi Raj. Local leaders, including Sheelanala Panchayat president Bir Singh, also joined the occasion and expressed deep gratitude for OCA’s timely intervention.

Addressing the gathering, Saljolta reaffirmed the association’s commitment to social responsibility. “Our members, comprising alumni of the prestigious Bishop Cotton School, across India and abroad responded generously, enabling us to provide Rs 40,000 each to 16 affected families in Bagan to help them rebuild their lives,” he said.

Saljolta further announced that the relief programme would soon extend to two additional villages — Malta in the Tirthan valley and another site in Kullu currently being finalised. “Our mission is to ensure aid reaches those in need swiftly, transparently and with dignity,” he added.